Picks for NASCAR 2011 Championship Contenders

With the Daytona 500 still 3 weeks away, some say it would be crazy to try and pick a winner for that race alone. Let alone pick 10 contenders and 2 wild cards for the 10 race playoff stretch…but that’s what I’m about to do. Let’s face it, picks are fun! …Even if you do end up being wrong.

Since I have briefly talked about picking a Daytona 500 winner I shall do just that before unveiling my top 10 contenders and 2 wild card picks for championship contenders.

INITIAL PICK FOR THE WIN: DAYTONA 500

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#29 Kevin Harvick. Harvick has proven that he can get the job done on restrictor plate tracks. He could just do it again. He will also most likely contend for the championship.

NOTE ON PICKS FOR THE WIN: I will be bringing that section back…usually the Saturday night before the race with the same format as last season. 3 “No Brainers,” 3 “Guys to watch” I will refine my picks for the individual Daytona 500 race in about 3 weeks.

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PICKS FOR 2011 NASCAR SPRINT CUP CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS

1.

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#48 Jimmie Johnson Because you can’t go against a 5 time in a row champion. He will be in contention once again this year…unless something really crazy happens.

2.

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#22 Kurt Busch Busch (along with everyone else in the field) has certainly had enough with Jimmie Johnson being the man to beat. Busch could dethrone Johnson if he can stay out of random trouble on the track.

3.

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#11 Denny Hamlin Hamlin came close last year, but it wasn’t enough, he’ll be back this year on a mission to dethrone the 48.

4.

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#99 Carl Edwards Edwards had momentum, winning the last 2 races of the season last year. If he can carry that momentum into the 2011 season, he will be a threat for the title.

#18 Kyle Busch Kurt’s younger brother, on the contrary of Kenseth, you can always tell when this guy is around! If he can keep things together, he just might make a title run!

7

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#1 Jamie MacMurray Last year he learned how to win multiple races in the same season. Championship this year? Maybe.

8

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#33 Clint Bowyer If Clint can avoid unnecessary penalties he should be fine to make the chase

9

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#16 Greg Biffle Winning last year must have given him the confidence he needs to be a contender. He’ll be around.

10

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#24 Jeff Gordon He can do it, we know he can. He’s done it 4 times before. He came close to winning how many races last year? He didn’t win any but he was very close many times, a lot of second place finishes. If this consistency continues…maybe throw in a few wins, Gordon will also be a contender.

WILD CARD #1

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#14 Tony Stewart If he can avoid more trouble in Australia, (and even if he can’t) Stewart should have the mental toughness to be a championship contender.

WILD CARD #2

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#4 Kasey Kahne His first year away from King Richard’s outfit (now in a one year deal with Red Bull…before going to Hendrick next year) Kahne could surprise people and make the chase with some new found confidence.